UN chief voices concern over tensions on Korean Peninsula

UN, 10 August 2015 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced concern over reports that the Korean People’s Army has placed new land mines in the southern half of the Demilitarized Zone in the Korean Peninsula, a spokesperson for the Organization has confirmed.

In a note to correspondents issued this afternoon, the UN Spokesperson’s Office noted that the Secretary-General urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to fully adhere to the obligations under the Armistice Agreement and engage in dialogue on this incident.

The newly-placed land mines reportedly injured two soldiers from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on 4 August.

Mr. Ban’s spokesperson added that the Secretary-General urged the tensions on the Korean Peninsula to be alleviated.

The UN chief has repeatedly emphasized that dialogue is the only way to resolve outstanding issues related to the peninsula. In mid-May, Mr. Ban affirmed that he remained deeply engaged on the Korean Peninsula because it is “a dangerous international flashpoint,” and that he will do “everything possible” in his capacity as the top UN official to promote peace and confidence-building between the two Koreas. 
 [un.org]
10/8/15
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Related:

•  South Korea's military on Monday accused the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of planting anti-personnel landmines after violating the military demarcation line (MDL) that had wounded two South Korean soldiers on a regular patrol duty in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) a week ago...

On Aug. 4, two staff sergeants of the First Infantry Division's search battalion were maimed after explosion of landmines " assuredly" buried by DPRK forces, the military said...............http://www.china.org.cn/world/2015-08/10/content_36267825.htm
 10/8/15